The Alabama A&M Bulldogs are set to clash with the North Alabama Lions in a riveting showdown at Flowers Hall. Fresh off the starting block, the Bulldogs are hungry for a win to open their account. Meanwhile, the Lions, prowling on a 1-0 record, aim to defend their den and build on their explosive 93-60 triumph against Blue Mountain Christian. With the odds stacked against them, the Bulldogs face a stiff test, but in college hoops, it’s anyone’s game. Senior forward Tim Smith Jr. of the Lions, leading the way in that game with 19 points, will be the man to watch. The stage is set; let the games begin!

Unleashed Potential

As the Alabama A&M Bulldogs lace up for the upcoming challenge, the buzz is palpable under the guidance of coach Otis Hughley Jr. in his second year. The Bulldogs, who are coming off a grind-it-out season with a 2022-2023 record that left them hungry for more, are poised to turn heads. The departure of key players like guard Garrett Hicks, who was instrumental with 12.8 points per game, and center Olisa Blaise Akonobi, the leading rebounder at 5.6 per game, leaves sizable sneakers to fill.

Returning to the hardwood, senior guard Dailin Smith, with an impressive 10.5 points per game and 2.6 rebounds per game, and center EJ Williams, the big man in the paint, are expected to elevate their game. Junior transfers Dylan McLean and Darius Osborne are the new recruits ready to show their mettle, while seasoned players like guards Lorenzo Downey and Cameron Tucker, along with forward Omari Peek, are slated to bring depth and experience. With an average of 69.6 points on the offensive end and 32.7 rebounds per game last season, the Bulldogs showed they have the bite to match their bark. However, the defensive end needs tightening up, with 44.1 field goal percentage allowed, a statistic they’ll look to clamp down on this season.

The Bulldogs’ resilience will be tested, as will their ability to blend the old guard with the new recruits to surpass last season’s endeavors. With a team field goal percentage of 44.1 and a defense that’s been less than ironclad, Coach Hughley’s squad must rally, aiming for precision on offense and tenacity on defense. The goal is clear: leap from a predicted seventh place finish to be the top dogs of the conference.

Off to a Roaring Start

The North Alabama Lions, off to a roaring start this season in the ASUN Division I, are dominating the hardwood with impressive stats. Ranked 23rd nationally with a 47.8% success rate from the three-point line, the Lions’ offense is a force to be reckoned with. Their scoring prowess is evident, standing 61st in the nation after scoring 93 points in the opening game. On the defensive end, they’re just as formidable, hauling in an average of 46 rebounds, which puts them at 39th in the country – a clear indicator of their control in the paint.

Tim Smith Jr. is leading the pride with a double-double in the season-opener with  19 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. He’s not alone; senior guard KJ Johnson contributed 15 points, while junior guard Josiah Fulcher added a solid 13, rounding out a trio that can strike from anywhere on the court. Freshman guard Canin Jefferson is setting the tone defensively with two steals in his first game, while senior center Eoin Nelson is a sentinel in the paint, swatting away a pair of shots in the opener. This balanced attack is what makes the Lions a formidable opponent for any team facing them on the court.

Their precision isn’t just limited to scoring, as they’re also ranked 123rd in overall field goal percentage at 47.8%. When it comes to the charity stripe, they’re shooting 69.6%, with room for improvement as the season progresses. The Lions’ ability to connect from downtown and their relentless rebounding are hallmarks of a team that knows how to capitalize on their strengths. With the way they’re playing, the North Alabama Lions are not just contenders; they’re predators on the prowl, eyeing the top of the food chain in the ASUN.

David’s Pick – North Alabama Lions

The stage is set for a showdown, and I’m banking on the North Alabama Lions to continue their dominance on the court. Their roaring start is no fluke; they’re shooting the lights out with a 47.8 percent success rate from beyond the arc, ranking them 23rd nationally. Pair that with their 93-point performance in their first game, and you’ve got an offensive juggernaut that’s putting up points in bunches, good for 61st across all colleges.

On the boards, the Lions are ferocious, pulling down 46 rebounds per game, establishing them as the 39th best in the nation. Tim Smith Jr. leads this pride with 19 points and 10 rebounds, proving he’s a powerhouse on both ends of the court. With KJ Johnson and Josiah Fulcher consistently dropping buckets, they’ve got a trifecta that can tear any defense to shreds. Canin Jefferson’s thievery on defense with two steals complements Eoin Nelson’s sentry duties at the rim with two blocks per game. They’re not just playing to win; they’re playing to dominate. Expect the Lions to pounce and secure a victory with precision shooting, a relentless rebounding effort, and an unwavering commitment to defense.